4x4 problem

[Mrpuffin708]

My 84 s15 jimmy has a problem with the 4x4. The indicator light comes on in 2 wheel and the acuator pulls the cable. But when I shift the transfer case into any other gear the light goes out and the acuator lets the cable back in. Any ideas on where to start?

 

[Molson02536]

My 84 s15 jimmy has a problem with the 4x4. The indicator light comes on in 2 wheel and the acuator pulls the cable. But when I shift the transfer case into any other gear the light goes out and the acuator lets the cable back in. Any ideas on where to start?

Start with the simple and replace your 4wd vacuum switch on top of the transfer case, driver's side. It's about $25.00 ay Napa or Auto Zone. Its kinda tight place but can be done with a open end wrench and lots of patients.

Good luck, and keep us posted
Molson02536

 

[Mrpuffin708]

Thanks. Money is pretty tight right now but as soon as I get it ill post the results

 

[Molson02536]

Thanks. Money is pretty tight right now but as soon as I get it ill post the results

If the money is tight, try the salvage yard for $5.00. Your Jimmy is 85 and for $5.00 i am sure the guys out there will give you two of them.

I believe the switch will be the same years up to 2005 Jimmy's. Just check to make sure you have a 3 port switch, It should be a 3 port switch.

Good luck and keep us posted and in the mean time you can disconnect the vacuum line for and block it up to keep your front actuator from engaging the front axle. Or you can just keep driving it that way, your front prop shaft should not have any power send to it.

Molson02536

 

[Mrpuffin708]

Is there any way to make the 4x4 work for now? The Jimmy is just my winter vehicle and my dd wont make it far with more than 2 inches of snow. Lol. Could I maybe clamp the cable to my front diff out so it stays engaged? Would that hurt anything?

 

[Molson02536]

Is there any way to make the 4x4 work for now? The Jimmy is just my winter vehicle and my dd wont make it far with more than 2 inches of snow. Lol. Could I maybe clamp the cable to my front diff out so it stays engaged? Would that hurt anything?

You can re-run the vacuum lines to the actuator under the battery to have vacuum so the front axle will run full time. It will be fine as long as you keep eye on the front differential fluid level to ensure its full since you have a 85.

The only issue your going to have will be the front tires will wear faster from cornering, but other then that. You should be fine and you'll not find any gas difference with it engaged.

My Jimmy was always locked from a bad vacuum switch and i was always to lazy to replace it, even though there is a spare one in the glove box. I only replaced it when i had to from the transmission oil leaking in to the vacuum system lol.

Good luck and be safe.
Molson02536

 

[Mrpuffin708]

Awsome thanks! Do I just disconnect the lines from the switch on the trans and connect the one that has vacuum to the one goin to the acuator? Or should I pull the one that has vacuum and connect it directly to the acuator?

 

[Molson02536]

Awsome thanks! Do I just disconnect the lines from the switch on the trans and connect the one that has vacuum to the one goin to the acuator? Or should I pull the one that has vacuum and connect it directly to the acuator?

What ever is easier for you, you can always disconnect the lines at the switch and joint them together with a vacuum line connector. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR1/47300.oap?ck=Search_N1168_-1_-1&pt=N1168&ppt=N1171

Good luck and keep us posted.
Molson02536

 

[Mrpuffin708]

Alrighty. Thank u. Didn't know if it mattered. As soon as the snow clears I will get that done